When working with wet concrete, wear steel toe cap Wellington Boots. Standard boots that become saturated in wet cementitious materials can result in severe cement burns on the feet.

Gloves:

Paving materials have sharp edges and if handled without gloves can cause skin cuts and grazes which are susceptible to infection.

Cement in concrete or pointing mortar can cause burns on contact with skin. Always wear rubberised protective gloves when handling such materials and if contact with any cementitious material does occur wash hands thoroughly immediately.

Face Mask:

Inhalation of any dust should be avoided. It is particularly important not to inhale cement dust, which can seriously damage your lungs. When using power saws to cut stone or concrete paving, it is essential to use a dust suppression method. and you must ALWAYS wear a particulate dust mask. Suitable masks will comply to EN143 or EN149. Cements and brick dust are classed as fine dusts. Cutting paving slabs, kerb stones or other concrete or stone products produces enormous amounts of dust. This dust will contain some very fine dust called respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Exposure to RCS dust can cause serious health problems which may eventually prove to be fatal.

Eye Protection:

This is especially important when cutting paving materials with hand tools, block splitters or power saws. If cement splashes into eyes, flush with water and seek medical attention immediately

Overalls:

Work wear will protect exposed skin from cements, and reduce the risk of cuts, grazes and abrasions. Beware of loose clothing, especially when working with power tools.

Head Protection:

Wear a hard hat if working on a job with overhead scaffolding and when working in trenches.

Pavestone recommends that all landscapers and keen DIY'ers follow all relevant safety training and guidance issued by plant hirers and attend a relevant H&S course.

Note to self employed landscapers

Any person working under your control and direction, treated as self-employed for tax and national insurance purposes, may nevertheless be treated as your employee for health and safety purposes. You need, therefore, to take appropriate action to protect them.